TNI retakes TPNPB-OPM base in Nabire; logistics of Daniel Aibon Kogoya's group seized

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The TNI Papua territorial command repelled a group of armed men of the West Papua National Liberation Army – Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) led by Daniel Aibon Kogoya from the Kepala Air area, Nabarua Atas, Kaliharapan Village, Nabire District, Nabire Regency, Central Papua, on Sunday, 1 March 2026.

The operation, which lasted from 10:00 local time (WIT) until the evening, succeeded in seizing a location that served as the movement base and logistics depot of the TPNPB OPM Kodap III Ndugama.

“Combined Patrol Team of Koops TNI Papua has successfully ambushed the TPNPB-OPM group led by Daniel Aibon Kogoya (Danyon Ndulamo Kodap III Ndugama) and seized the OPM base,” said Koops Commander Colonel M. Wirya Arthadiguna in a press briefing on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.

“Thus the group retreated and fled into the forest, leaving its equipment at the base; the operation was conducted professionally and in a measured manner,” he explained.

From the location that had been seized, the Koops TNI Papua Combined Patrol Team recovered evidence including hundreds of rounds of ammunition of various calibres, 10 long‑gun magazines, 5 handheld radios (HTs), 12 mobile phones, cash amounting to Rp 79.7 million, and various field insignia and equipment belonging to the armed group.

All evidence has been secured and catalogued for investigation and further legal proceedings in accordance with applicable regulations.

“The loss of the base and key equipment shows a weakening of the group’s capabilities,” he added.